"The Violet Flame" - new Erasure album out in September

[Sensoria]

http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2014/0 ... our-dates/

"The Violet Flame", British electro-pop duo's 16th studio release that will contain 10 tracks coming out September 23rd in a variety of deluxe formats and packages via Pledge Music.
Produced by Richard X, it follows year's holiday-themed collection "Snow Globe".

[Sensoria]

http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2014/07/21/erasure-elevation-stream-violet-flame/

The album's tracklist and first single "Elevation" revealed!

[Fred Taghon]

Just bought my copy of "The Violet Flame" at one of our local record shops here in northern Michigan. The vibrant, glossy packaging was a good starting point, but things only got better from there!

I've always loved Erasure and am admittedly biased when it comes to anything they put out; but damn if this isn't one the strongest, most satisfying overall albums they've done in years! I found myself giggling as each new song hit it's stride. I even got goosebumps several times. It's just great when a favorite artist produces something of this quality so far into an esteemed and accomplished career.

The songs are excellent and the production is crisp and clean. Andy's vocals are velvety and rich, punctuated here and there with his signature angelic background harmonies. Richard X has definitely coaxed the band gently into the 2010's. I'm a huge fan of Vince's analog heavenly-ness, but it's refreshing to hear a more contemporary soundscape in the mix - not quite as heavy as Frankmusik's production on "Tomorrow's World" (a good album which DOES have some very good tracks, but the sonic palette left me a little overwhelmed in the end). These recordings simply BREATHE.

First single, "Elevation", has grown on me big time since it was first posted online and I now find myself paying the CD-single constantly. Rest assured, the remainder of the album is AT LEAST as good as "Elevation" - and often much better.

After 1.5 listens, the songs (other than "Elevation") that have left the biggest impression on me include: "Reason", "Promises", "Be The One" (OMG this one is soooooo beautiful!), "Sacred", "Under The Wave" (another perfect venture into sugary mid-tempo bliss that no one can do like Erasure - Andy's "whoa..." refrain just feels like home) and "Paradise". I think what especially bodes well for this collection of songs is that I can't easily compare them to previous Erasure songs. It's DEFINITELY Erasure but it feels like musically and lyrically, they found some sparkle of inspiration that took both Vince and Andy to new artistic levels. And I can't believe I'm saying this, as a total electronic music junkie, but the use of piano on several tracks feels so grounding and complimentary.

I am completely in love with this album already (I'm now on Track 7 on my second run-through the entire album) and I don't think I've been quite so taken in upon first listen by a new Erasure album since "Cowboy" or "I Say I Say I Say". After nearly 30yrs of following Erasure, "The Violet Flame" is truly a gift I won't take for granted!

Looking forward to seeing them in Royal Oak (Detroit) next week!!!

[crichert]

Wonderful review, thanks Fred.

I too love Erasure, and the last album I've loved from them would be "I Say", after that each album seemed to disappoint me. A few good songs on each, but they seemed to veer down the dance-techno-club sound too much for myliking, but after hearing their latest album I'll admin I'm VERY happy with it!! It starts off VERY strong, and tapers off a bit at the end, but overall I'd give it a solid 8/10 and highly recommend it!

1. Dead of Night - is a solid start to the album! Cool song!
2. Elevation - GREAT song!!
3. Reason - LOVE this track, by far my favorite on the entire album!
4. Promises - Errg...this one seems like a bit of a filler track to me
5. Be The One - CLASSIC Erasure! This one reminds me of something you might have heard from the "Chorus" album
6. Sacred - This is a fun track, and I especially love the piano!
7. Under The Wave - GREAT track!! Catchy! I found myself playing this one a few times in a row!
8. Smoke & Mirrors - Ehh, not one of my favs
9. Paradise - Too dance-club beat for me
10. Stayed a Little Late Tonight - Carries over with the club-beat of Paradise, almost like it's the same song slowed down

I'm also looking forward to seeing them in Royal Oak next week!! Maybe I'll see you there, Fred? I'll be the one wearing a t-shirt and chaps!

Just bought my copy of "The Violet Flame" at one of our local record shops here in northern Michigan. The vibrant, glossy packaging was a good starting point, but things only got better from there!

I've always loved Erasure and am admittedly biased when it comes to anything they put out; but damn if this isn't one the strongest, most satisfying overall albums they've done in years! I found myself giggling as each new song hit it's stride. I even got goosebumps several times. It's just great when a favorite artist produces something of this quality so far into an esteemed and accomplished career.

The songs are excellent and the production is crisp and clean. Andy's vocals are velvety and rich, punctuated here and there with his signature angelic background harmonies. Richard X has definitely coaxed the band gently into the 2010's. I'm a huge fan of Vince's analog heavenly-ness, but it's refreshing to hear a more contemporary soundscape in the mix - not quite as heavy as Frankmusik's production on "Tomorrow's World" (a good album which DOES have some very good tracks, but the sonic palette left me a little overwhelmed in the end). These recordings simply BREATHE.

First single, "Elevation", has grown on me big time since it was first posted online and I now find myself paying the CD-single constantly. Rest assured, the remainder of the album is AT LEAST as good as "Elevation" - and often much better.

After 1.5 listens, the songs (other than "Elevation") that have left the biggest impression on me include: "Reason", "Promises", "Be The One" (OMG this one is soooooo beautiful!), "Sacred", "Under The Wave" (another perfect venture into sugary mid-tempo bliss that no one can do like Erasure - Andy's "whoa..." refrain just feels like home) and "Paradise". I think what especially bodes well for this collection of songs is that I can't easily compare them to previous Erasure songs. It's DEFINITELY Erasure but it feels like musically and lyrically, they found some sparkle of inspiration that took both Vince and Andy to new artistic levels. And I can't believe I'm saying this, as a total electronic music junkie, but the use of piano on several tracks feels so grounding and complimentary.

I am completely in love with this album already (I'm now on Track 7 on my second run-through the entire album) and I don't think I've been quite so taken in upon first listen by a new Erasure album since "Cowboy" or "I Say I Say I Say". After nearly 30yrs of following Erasure, "The Violet Flame" is truly a gift I won't take for granted!

Looking forward to seeing them in Royal Oak (Detroit) next week!!!

[Neil Kelly]

Got the Pledge Music edition 3 cd's and love it!

[rewind]

"Under The Wave" is my fave on the album, by far.

[synthboy1969]

In agreement... it's the best Erasure album in years.

JT

[anemiccinema]

Me too-- I agree quickly became my favorite album of the year. I have multiple favorites on the album, the dance infectious "Dead of Night" -- I played that tracks 10 times over and over-- I like the Andy bell says "on the runaround" on the first line-- "Reason" is easily my favorite track on the album- "Under the Wave" "Smoke and Mirrors" excellent. I love the whole album through and through .some of those lyric lines have some great impact like " too many times your forgiven, now you cry as if you were the victim." and "I just wanted to be perfect and you call it slightly OCD" make this album a true must have.